Best of Ireland

<p><strong>Day 1: Welcome to Ireland </strong></p> <p>Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. We begin our journey in the whimsical capital of Dublin, joining a Local Specialist to see the sights. This evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes.</p> <p><strong>Arrival Transfer:</strong> Depart the airport at 08:30, 11:00, 13:00<br /><strong>Accommodation:</strong> Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge</p>

<h3>Through the Scenic County Wicklow and Waterford to Kilkenny</h3> <p>Journey through the scenic countryside of County Wicklow, 'The Garden of Ireland', and on to New Ross – the ancestral home town of John F. Kennedy. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the plight of the starving Irish emigrants who boarded the Dunbrody Famine Ship to flee the potato famine. We continue to Waterford. This afternoon, we celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations, as we Dive Into Culture at the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master crafters at work. Arrive in Kilkenny where we will stay for the night.</p> <p><strong> Accommodation:</strong> Hotel Kilkenny <br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3>Journey to Blarney and on to Killarney</h3> <p>Today, pursue the 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle, where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Consider joining an Optional Experience for a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland. In the evening perhaps join an optional Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honored folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.</p> <p><strong> Accommodation:</strong> Hotel Killarney<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3>A Day on the Ring of Kerry</h3> <p>Ireland's soul-stirring Ring of Kerry takes center stage today as we embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside – unquestionably one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. We'll see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley, whose remoteness saw it become the last area in Ireland to receive electricity.</p> <p><strong> Accommodation:</strong> Hotel Killarney<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3>Onwards to Lively Limerick</h3> <p>We continue through the windswept countryside, arriving in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. On arrival in Limerick, we will enjoy views of St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and the 13th-century King John's Castle during an orientation tour. Delve into an Ireland of old, as you discover the day-to-day life of the Irish during the 18th and 19th centuries on your included visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this afternoon.</p> <p><strong> Accommodation:</strong> Greenhills Hotel Conference and Leisure Center<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>

<h3>Admire the Cliffs of Moher and Onwards to Galway</h3> <p>The sheer Cliffs of Moher plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, providing endless ocean views and wonderful photographic opportunities during your experience at this UNESCO-listed highlight along the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll be enchanted by its irresistible landscapes, but more so the interactive visitor center which will bring the whole experience to life from the perspective of the resident wildlife that find sanctuary here. Later, we arrive in Galway with some time at leisure to see its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square.</p> <p><strong> Accommodation:</strong> The Connacht Hotel Galway<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>

<h3>Day 7: A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara</h3> <p>Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as we tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its 'wild and mountainous splendor' as magnificent. Stop at Brigit's Garden, a Celtic heritage garden, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Admire the views on the scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where we will embark on an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through its exquisite Victorian Walled Garden.</p> <p><strong> Accommodation:</strong> Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3>Day 8: A Pilgrimage to Knock and on to Sligo</h3> <p>Our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll indulge in a memorable Be My Guest experience with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavors in the Drawing Room of this stately 18th-century home. Heading north, we stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady in 1879. We arrive in Sligo this evening, our home for the night.</p> <p><strong> Accommodation:</strong> Hotel Killarney<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3>Day 9: Return to Lively Dublin</h3> <p>Our journey continues south to Dublin. Here we’ll enjoy some free time to take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey. This evening, we close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining our fellow travelers for a memorable Farewell Dinner.</p> <p><strong> Accommodation:</strong> Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast | Dinner</p>

<h3>Day 10: Farewell Ireland</h3> <p>After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travelers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end.</p> <p><strong>Departure Transfer:</strong> Arrive at the airport at 07:00, 09:00, 11:00<br /><strong>Included Meals:</strong> Breakfast  </p>